News & events

• Latest news
  • News archive
  • Fighting for a vaccine in memory of Kayden
  • Meningitis strikes Mossley family twice
  • Motocross in memory of Kelsey
  • Survivor Louise launches Big Stroll at Giants Causeway
  • Running in memory of Ross
  • Brave parents raise awareness in memory of Kadyn
  • Friends and family unite to remember Joél
  • Pounding the pavements in memory of Hannah
  • Meningitis survivor takes on personal swimming challenge
  • Raising awareness of meningitis in memory of Samantha
  • Runners unite for World Meningitis Day
  • Torch bearer Sally swims for the fight against meningitis
  • Take part in the Great North Run
  • Walking in memory of Stuart
  • Families step out for Big Stroll North East
  • Pub punters help stamp out meningitis
  • Meningitis UK welcomes Meningitis B vaccine trial news
  • Families touched by meningitis help launch awareness trailer
  • Motocross fundraiser in Kelsey Smart's memory raises £900
  • Pop starlet Pixie ready for charity jubilee concert
  • Team of cyclists taking on Pembrokeshire Charity Bike Ride in Hannah Gwilliam's memory
• Photo gallery
• Video
• Media centre
• Newsletter
• Supporter DVD
• 10th Anniversary
• Information days
• Search 4 a Vaccine Campaign

News RSS Feed

Rugby legend Phil drops in to lend support

01.04.10 

FAMOUS rugby player Phil Vickery made a flying visit to Bristol charity Meningitis UK to lend his support.

The Wasps and England rugby union star was in town to launch a new rugby shirt which is being sold to raise funds for two-year-old Marshall Janson, who has lost both his hands and both his legs to the deadly disease last year.

The youngster, from Cornwall, is being treated at Frenchay Hospital and is working with Meningitis UK to help raise awareness of the devastation caused by the brain bug.

The Handstand Appeal, set up to fund a lifetime of rehabilitation and new prosthetic limbs for Marshall, aims to raise over £850,000.

The costs are so high because Marshall's prosthetic limbs will have to be changed constantly as he grows - as often as once a year.

Phil's clothing company Raging Bull is manufacturing the new rugby shirts on behalf of the Handstand Appeal.

He said: "The Handstand Appeal is doing a great job in raising funds to help Marshall and also helping to raise awareness about meningitis.

"As a Dad, I know that meningitis is every parent's worst nightmare. Marshall is a very brave little boy and it was a great pleasure to finally meet him."

The Handstand Appeal also presented Meningitis UK with a cheque for £542, which was raised at a Christmas Party.

The money will go towards the charity's cutting-edge vaccine research work at universities throughout the country, including the University of Bristol.

Steve Dayman, who founded Meningitis UK after his son Spencer died from the disease, said: "It's great to have Phil's support and to be working closely with the Handstand Appeal.

"Sadly what happened to Marshall illustrates just what a devastating disease meningitis can be.

"He fell ill with the Meningitis B strain, for which there is still no vaccine. Seeing cases like his make us more determined to eradicate the disease and spare people this heartache."

The rugby shirts are available from www.lovellrugby.co.uk, priced £39.95.

Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a ‘Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.

To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org